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Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 14:06 IST
From geopolitics to climate, tech to social change, News18 World live blog delivers real-time updates on what is the latest from around the globe
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Stay informed with our World News Live Blog — your real-time window into global events. From major geopolitical developments and scientific breakthroughs to royal family updates and cultural milestones, we bring you fast, factual, and curated updates as they happen. Whether it’s unfolding conflicts, diplomatic shifts, climate alerts, or key moments in international politics, our live blog keeps you ahead of the news curve. Designed for readers who want both speed and substance, this is your go-to source for staying connected with the world — minute by minute, headline by headline.
India And Pakistan Face Rising Basmati Rice Prices Amid Crop Losses
India and Pakistan are experiencing rising prices for basmati rice due to significant crop losses caused by floods, as per a report in The Japan Times. This situation affects major importers, including Britain, the Middle East, and the US, where the aromatic rice is a premium commodity. The price pressure is exacerbated by lingering agricultural challenges, such as the recovery from Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods, and broader market dynamics, including India’s 2023 ban on non-basmati rice exports. These factors combine to tighten global supply and contribute to overall food inflation.
LeBron James Pens Op-Ed In Chinese State Media To Promote 'Basketball Diplomacy'
NBA star LeBron James has authored an opinion piece in China’s state-run People’s Daily newspaper, describing basketball as a ‘bridge’ between the US and China, according to a report in AP. The op-ed follows James’s first visit to the country since 2019, a period marked by significant political and financial fallout for the NBA after a controversial tweet by a team executive supporting Hong Kong protesters. Published in the official paper of the Communist Party of China, the move is seen as a significant ‘soft power’ gesture aimed at rebuilding the NBA’s lucrative market in China and improving cultural ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
China Issues Key License For Satellite Communication Services
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued a satellite mobile communication business license to the state-owned telecom company China Unicom, South China Morning Post said in a report. This move permits the company to offer services like direct-to-phone satellite connectivity and is a significant step towards the commercial roll-out of China’s indigenous satellite network, known as ‘Guowang’. The license specifically targets the expansion of services for emergency and maritime applications, enhancing connectivity in areas without terrestrial coverage. This development is part of a broader strategy to establish a sovereign low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, bolstering China’s digital infrastructure, ensuring technological self-reliance, and increasing competition in the global satellite communications market.
China's Dalian Port Builds Hub For Southeast Asian Durian Imports
To meet rising consumer demand for fresher durians in northeastern China, Liaoning Port Group has started building the Dalian Northeast Asia Fruit Transit Centre to directly handle seaborne imports from Southeast Asia, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The project, which began in late August, aims to create a more efficient logistics route for the popular fruit, bypassing longer overland transport from southern Chinese ports. This development is expected to provide consumers in the region with faster access to higher-quality durians and establishes Dalian as a key northern hub for perishable goods, diversifying import channels and strengthening China’s overall food supply chain.
Asian Shares Mixed As Markets Await US Fed Cues
Asian shares traded mixed on Tuesday as global investors awaited key US economic data releases expected to guide the Federal Reserve’s upcoming monetary policy decisions, according to a report in AP. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 benchmark closed 0.5% lower at 43,459.29, with the decline linked to domestic political uncertainty.
Vanuatu Delays $330 Million Security Pact With Australia Citing Funding Concerns
Vanuatu has delayed the signing of a 500 million Australian dollar ($330 million) security and economic treaty with Australia, AP said in a report. Vanuatuan Prime Minister Jotham Napat stated on Tuesday that his country is not yet ready to sign the bilateral pact. The primary concern is that the agreement could potentially restrict the South Pacific nation’s capacity to secure infrastructure funding from a third country, widely understood to be China, thereby impacting its economic development strategy and sovereign flexibility.
World War II Bomb Discovery Prompts Evacuations In Downtown Bratislava
The discovery of a 500-pound (225-kilogram) World War II bomb during construction work has prompted evacuations in downtown Bratislava, Slovakia, according to a report in AP. Officials confirmed the emergency measure on Tuesday, which affects several city blocks, including a major bridge over the Danube River. The find, which occurred on Monday evening, also led to the halting of all traffic and public transportation during the morning rush hour as experts prepared to defuse the ordnance.
Ethiopia's GERD: Examining The Dam's Cost, Regional Disputes, And Treaty Rejection
Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project costing approximately $4.8 billion, has been primarily financed through domestic means, including government funds and citizen contributions, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The report clarifies that Ethiopia unequivocally rejects the 1959 Nile Waters Agreement between Egypt and Sudan, viewing it as a colonial-era relic that infringes upon its sovereign right to use its own natural resources, especially as it was not a signatory. Furthermore, claims circulating of 15,000 deaths during the dam’s construction are widely disputed and lack credible verification. This context underlies the ongoing geopolitical tensions, as the dam, whose final filling was completed in September 2023, is seen as vital for Ethiopia’s economy but as an existential water security threat by downstream Egypt, with trilateral negotiations remaining deadlocked.
Holocaust Museum Pulls Social Media Post After Uproar Over Gaza Reference
A Holocaust museum has reportedly withdrawn a social media post after it caused an uproar among some Jewish groups, according to a report in RT. The post in question declared that the slogan ‘Never Again,’ which originated in the aftermath of the Holocaust, should be applied universally to all people. The statement drew criticism in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to the museum pulling the post from its platform amid the controversy.
Hamas Reviewing US-Backed Ceasefire Proposal For Gaza
Hamas has confirmed it is reviewing a US-backed proposal for a potential ceasefire in Gaza, delivered through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, as per a report in BBC. The discussions are centered on a comprehensive, multi-phase plan previously outlined by the US administration, which includes a cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages held in Gaza, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
Brazil's Supreme Court Nears Verdict In Former President Bolsonaro's Coup Trial
A five-judge panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court is set to rule this week on whether former President Jair Bolsonaro is guilty of plotting to subvert democracy following his 2022 election defeat to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, according to a report in AP. Bolsonaro faces five counts related to his alleged attempts to remain in power illegally, which are connected to the January 8, 2023, storming of federal buildings by his supporters. A conviction could lead to imprisonment and would compound his existing ban from holding public office until 2030, significantly impacting Brazil’s political landscape and testing the country’s democratic institutions.
Finnish Startup ReOrbit Raises €45 Million For Sovereign Satellite Network
Finnish startup ReOrbit has secured a record €45 million in Series A funding to develop sovereign satellites, aiming to provide a European alternative for secure government and defense communications, according to a report in TechCrunch. The investment, a record for a Series A round in Finland, positions ReOrbit to compete in the strategic space sector by focusing on governmental and critical infrastructure clients rather than the mass-consumer market. This initiative aligns with the European Union’s broader strategy to achieve space sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European satellite infrastructure for sensitive applications, thereby bolstering the continent’s growing ‘New Space’ industry.
Big Oil Slashes Jobs and Investments as Low Crude Prices Take Toll
Major international oil companies are implementing significant job cuts and slashing investments as persistently low crude oil prices take a heavy toll on the industry, the Financial Times said in a report. This downturn is driven by a combination of factors, including a slow global economic recovery, concerns over structural oversupply, and increasing pressure from investors to shift towards lower-carbon energy. As a result, companies are cutting capital expenditure, divesting assets, and bracing for a slowdown that could last for years, which may impact future global energy supply due to reduced investment in new exploration and production.
US Weighs Visa Restrictions For Iran And Brazil Ahead Of UN Assembly
The Trump administration is considering imposing new visa restrictions on diplomats from several countries, including Iran and Brazil, ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly, according to a report in Fox News. The proposed measures against Iran, part of the ongoing ‘maximum pressure’ campaign, could include practical limitations on diplomats’ daily activities, such as access to bulk shopping. The potential inclusion of Brazil in these restrictions is noted as surprising, given Brazil’s traditional honor of being the first nation to speak at the annual UN General Debate, a role it has held since 1947.
Hong Kong AI Start-Up Targets Mainland China With Emission Monitoring System
Hong Kong start-up ANTEI AI Innovation Hub has developed an AI-powered system named AURA that can detect the origin and size of factory smoke emissions in real-time, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The company’s founder, Matey Yordanov, stated the firm is targeting mainland China for implementation, aligning with the country’s ongoing environmental campaigns. The technology is designed to provide regulators with precise data for more effective enforcement and to help industrial companies with internal environmental management and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance.
Suriname Takes Lead In CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Group A With Win Over El Salvador
Suriname secured a late 2-1 victory against El Salvador on Monday, positioning them at the top of Group A in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, as per a report in AP. In another group match, Panama, considered a favorite after its performance in the recent League of Nations, was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Guatemala. Oscar Santis put Guatemala ahead in the 35th minute before Carlos Harvey equalized for Panama two minutes later. The results provide an early boost to Suriname’s qualifying campaign and represent a setback for Panama, whose only World Cup appearance was in 2018.
US Tech Foundational To China's Digital Surveillance State, Report Reveals
An investigation has revealed that technology and concepts from US companies, including “predictive policing,” were foundational in building China’s vast digital surveillance apparatus, according to a report in AP. This technology has enabled the widespread crackdown in regions like Xinjiang, creating a “digital cage” for individuals deemed troublemakers. The report highlights that despite current sanctions, significant loopholes persist, and notes that American tech, often provided before the full extent of its use was public, laid the groundwork for the system. This past involvement serves as a cautionary tale with ongoing implications for US-China relations, corporate accountability, and global human rights.
US Contractor CACI Appeals $42M Verdict For Abu Ghraib Torture
A US federal appeals court has begun hearing oral arguments in an appeal filed by military contractor CACI against a multi-million dollar verdict related to detainee abuse at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison, as per a report in AP. The Virginia-based company is challenging a 2023 jury verdict that found it liable for contributing to the torture of three former detainees and ordered it to pay $42 million in damages. The plaintiffs testified that they were subjected to beatings and sexual abuse at the facility two decades ago. This case represents a significant legal battle over the accountability of private contractors in conflict zones, and the outcome of the appeal in the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals could set a precedent for corporate liability in human rights abuses committed abroad.
ICC Opens Landmark War Crimes Hearing Against Fugitive Joseph Kony
Prosecutors at the Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague will begin a landmark confirmation of charges hearing against Joseph Kony, the fugitive founder of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), AP says in a report. This case marks the first time the global court has held a hearing in absentia, a procedure enabled by a 2022 rule change for fugitives who have evaded capture for extended periods. Kony, for whom an arrest warrant was issued two decades ago, faces accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his alleged leadership of the brutal rebel group. The hearing aims to publicly present evidence and create a formal judicial record, setting a significant precedent for international justice even when the accused remains at large.
US Tech Firms Played Key Role In Building China's Surveillance State, Investigation Reveals
American technology companies were instrumental in designing and building China’s extensive surveillance state, playing a much larger role in enabling human rights abuses than was previously understood, as per a report in AP. An investigation based on tens of thousands of leaked documents and emails from a Chinese surveillance firm found that US companies sold billions of dollars worth of technology directly to Chinese police, government entities, and surveillance companies. These sales reportedly continued despite warnings and knowledge that the tools were being used for repression and to track ethnic minorities. The findings could lead to significant business and political repercussions, including increased regulatory scrutiny and sanctions on the implicated US firms.
Syrian Government Condemns Israeli Airstrikes On Homs And Latakia
Syria’s foreign ministry has condemned what it described as Israeli airstrikes on the cities of Homs and Latakia, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The ministry stated that the latest attacks represent a continuation of Israel’s “aggressive escalations” in the region. The strikes occur amid heightened regional tensions and are part of a long-standing Israeli air campaign in Syria, which has historically targeted assets linked to Iran and its allied militias to prevent Iranian military entrenchment.
Tunisian Officials Deny Claim of Drone Strike on Gaza-Bound Flotilla
Tunisian officials have rejected claims from the organizers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla that one of their vessels was struck by a suspected drone late Monday, according to a report in France 24. While the pro-Palestinian activists, part of a flotilla associated with activist Greta Thunberg, reported the incident, Tunisian authorities stated they had not detected any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) activity in the area. No casualties were reported following the alleged strike. The conflicting accounts highlight the political tensions surrounding attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea.
French Doctor on Trial for Allegedly Poisoning 30 Patients, 12 Fatally
French anesthesiologist Frédéric Péchier is on trial in Besançon, France, facing charges of poisoning 30 patients, resulting in 12 fatalities, according to a report in BBC. The alleged incidents occurred between 2008 and 2017, where prosecutors claim Péchier injected substances such as potassium chloride or local anaesthetics into patients’ IV drips, creating medical emergencies he could then appear to heroically resolve. The prosecution’s case relies heavily on statistical analysis of adverse events during his shifts, while Péchier has consistently maintained his innocence. The trial has significant implications, raising concerns about patient safety protocols and eroding public trust in the healthcare system, while also testing the French legal system’s capacity to handle complex forensic evidence.
Israeli Military Investigates Killing Of Two Palestinian Teenagers In West Bank
The Israeli military has opened an inquiry following the deaths of two 14-year-old Palestinian boys in the West Bank, The New York Times said in a report. According to the Palestinian Authority’s health ministry, the teenagers were killed by gunfire from Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military has confirmed the shooting is ‘under review’ but has not yet released further details on the circumstances. This incident takes place amid a period of heightened violence in the region and has renewed scrutiny from international bodies on Israel’s military rules of engagement.
Asian Shares Mostly Rise as Focus Shifts to US Fed's Next Move
Most Asian shares advanced on Tuesday as investor focus shifted to upcoming US economic data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next monetary policy decision, according to a report in AP. In morning trading, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose nearly 0.3%, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.6%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng surged 1.2%, and the Shanghai Composite edged up 0.1%. The positive sentiment in Asia followed gains on Wall Street, driven by hopes that the forthcoming reports would lead to a favorable outcome from the Fed. However, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 bucked the trend, declining by 0.5%.
Aid Group Delivers Food And Medicine To Flood Victims In Pakistan
An aid group is providing critical food and medical supplies to communities affected by severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Al Jazeera said in a report. This humanitarian effort comes as the country grapples with the impact of recurrent monsoon flooding, which has historically caused widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a heightened risk of waterborne diseases. The situation presents significant logistical challenges for aid organizations due to damaged infrastructure and places increased pressure on the Pakistani government to manage the crisis and invest in more resilient early warning systems and infrastructure.
UN Unable To Reach Hundreds Of Villages In Quake-Hit Afghanistan
An initial United Nations assessment of a deadly 2022 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan found 5,230 homes were destroyed and 672 damaged across 49 villages, highlighting a severe humanitarian and logistical crisis, AP says in a report. However, the true scale of the disaster remains unknown as aid organizations have been unable to access 362 other remote villages, according to Shannon O’Hara, the UN’s humanitarian coordination chief in Afghanistan. Damaged roads in the mountainous region are severely hampering relief efforts, underscoring the immense operational challenges for international aid groups and raising concerns about the unaddressed needs of thousands of survivors, which further strains the country’s fragile stability.
Tropical Storm Tapah Makes Landfall In Southern China, Forcing Evacuations And School Closures
Tropical Storm Tapah made landfall in southern China on Monday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people and causing significant disruptions, according to a report in AP. In the economic hub of Guangdong province, more than 200,000 people were evacuated, as confirmed by the provincial department of emergency management. Authorities also halted some train and ferry services and cancelled flights, while schools were closed as a precautionary measure against the storm.
Hong Kong Considers Same-Sex Partnership Bill Amid Fierce Resistance
Following decades of activism and successful court challenges for spousal rights, a bill to introduce same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong is now facing significant resistance and a challenging legislative vote, AP says in a report. The proposed law, which would offer some legal recognition but stop short of full marriage equality, is being considered while many same-sex couples in the city continue to marry overseas to gain legal status. The outcome of the vote is viewed as a critical test for the government, with potential implications for Hong Kong’s international reputation and its competitiveness as a global financial hub seeking to attract diverse talent.
Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests Kill 19
Nepal’s government lifted a ban on major social media platforms on Tuesday, a day after violent street protests in the capital, Kathmandu, left at least 19 people dead, as per a report in AP. The ban, which blocked access to platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube, had been imposed the previous week. The decision to reverse the ban followed a massive protest rally on Monday where police opened fire on demonstrators. In the aftermath of the violence, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned late Monday during an emergency Cabinet meeting.
Spanish PM Announces Proposed Arms Embargo Against Israel
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a proposal for a complete arms embargo on Israel, citing a need to ‘stop the Gaza genocide’, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The proposed embargo is part of a package of nine measures that must be approved by the Spanish cabinet and then ratified by parliament before it can be formally imposed. While Spain is not a primary military supplier to Israel, the move carries significant political and symbolic weight, further straining diplomatic relations following Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state in May 2024. The action aligns with recent proceedings at the Court of Justice and adds to growing international pressure on Israel regarding its military operations in Gaza.
India And Israel Sign Investment Deal To Bolster Economic Ties
India and Israel have signed a new investment framework agreement to deepen economic and technological cooperation, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in cybersecurity and defense, Al Jazeera said in a report. The memorandum of understanding was formalized during a visit by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to New Delhi, where he was welcomed by his Indian counterpart. The agreement aims to facilitate and promote bilateral investments across various sectors, building on an already robust strategic partnership that has expanded beyond defense to include technology, agriculture, and water management in recent years. This move is expected to increase Israeli foreign direct investment in India and foster joint ventures in advanced fields.
Pret A Manger Writes Down Value By A Third Citing Economic Headwinds
Pret A Manger has written down its value by one-third from the £1.5 billion price JAB Holding Company paid for it in 2018, as per a report in Financial Times. The coffee and sandwich chain attributed the significant impairment charge to a combination of adverse economic factors. These include a general “global economic gloom” that has suppressed consumer spending, rising employer tax burdens in the UK, and the impact of higher interest rates, which increases borrowing costs and dampens investment.
US Ends Joint Effort With Europe To Fight Foreign Disinformation
The United States government has ended its international agreements with European countries that were established to jointly fight disinformation campaigns originating from hostile states, the Financial Times said in a report. These collaborative efforts were specifically targeted at countering influence operations from Russia, China, and Iran. The termination of this coordinated approach means European allies, who continue to bolster their own measures like the Digital Services Act, may now face an increased burden in managing state-sponsored propaganda and information warfare.
Health Of Former Myanmar Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Worsening In Custody, Son Says
The health of Myanmar’s detained former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is reportedly worsening in military custody, with her son Kim Aris stating she is suffering from severe gum problems, vomiting, and dizziness, leaving her unable to eat, according to a report in The Japan Times. She has been held by the military since it seized power in a 2021 coup that deposed her elected government. The military junta has reportedly denied requests for her to be seen by an external doctor, instead arranging for a prison department doctor to treat her. Her condition raises significant political implications, as her fate is closely watched by the international community and her declining health could intensify pressure on the ruling junta and galvanize the pro-democracy resistance movement.
North Korea Announces Final Test Of New Solid-Fuel ICBM Engine
North Korea’s state media announced the successful completion of the ninth and final ground test for a new solid-fuel ICBM engine, an event supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, according to a report in AP. The engine, built with carbon fiber, reportedly produces 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, a significant power level aimed at creating a viable nuclear threat to the continental US. This development is a key part of Pyongyang’s strategic shift towards solid-fuel systems, which are more mobile and quicker to launch than liquid-fuel missiles, thereby increasing their survivability and complicating US and allied defense strategies. The completion of ground tests indicates the engine is likely ready for integration into a missile for flight testing, further heightening regional tensions and raising questions about the effectiveness of the international sanctions regime.
USA, Mexico, and Canada Secure Automatic Berths for 2026 World Cup
The United States, Mexico, and Canada have secured their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as co-hosts, Reuters said in a report. This tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will mark the first time the event features an expanded 48-team format, a significant increase from the 32 teams in previous editions. The expansion to 104 total matches presents substantial economic implications for the 16 host cities through tourism and infrastructure development. While the three host nations have automatic entry, the qualification process for the remaining 45 spots is currently underway across global confederations, which benefit from an increased number of available slots.
US Visa Wait Times Expected To Increase Under New State Department Rule
A new US State Department rule requiring most would-be travelers to undergo an in-person visa interview in their home country is expected to further extend wait times, which can already exceed a year in some locations, as per a report in The New York Times. This policy is a re-emphasis of a post-9/11 requirement and a tightening of interview waivers that were expanded during the pandemic. The existing delays are primarily attributed to a massive backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic combined with a surge in travel demand. The extended wait times are anticipated to have significant economic implications, potentially deterring international tourists, students, and business travelers, which could negatively impact the US tourism, education, and business sectors.
China's Renewable Energy Investment Poised To Halt Global Fossil Fuel Growth
China’s massive investment in renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and batteries, is on track to end the era of global growth in fossil fuel consumption, according to a report in The New York Times. The research suggests that this surge in green energy deployment, driven by China’s manufacturing dominance, is significant enough to cause the demand for coal, oil, and natural gas to peak and then decline globally. While China continues to rely on coal for its own energy security, its outsized contribution to renewable capacity is accelerating the worldwide energy transition, creating significant economic implications for fossil fuel-exporting nations and shifting geopolitical dynamics around energy and trade.
US And European Officials Discuss New Sanctions On Russia
US and European officials held a meeting at the US Treasury Department on Monday evening to discuss further economic pressure on Russia, as per a report in AP. According to a source familiar with the discussions, the talks included the possibility of new sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil purchases. The source also indicated that US officials communicated that President Donald Trump is prepared to take significant actions to end the ongoing war.
